BREAKING: Internet, Schools And Colleges Shut In Rajasthan Due To Bharat Bandh Protests

Jaipur: Schools, colleges and markets in parts of Rajasthan were closed on Wednesday. Moreover, internet services were suspended in four districts — Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur and Deeg-Kumher from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. as a precautionary measure in the wake of the Bharat Bandh.

The Bharat Bandh, called by various groups including Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Castes (SCs) reservation, had a varied impact across Rajasthan, with daily life remaining mostly unaffected in many areas.

Despite the bandh, essential services continued uninterrupted, and public transportation operated as usual in the morning hours. However, some districts saw closures of shops and schools, and mobile internet services were suspended in Bharatpur as a precautionary measure. In certain areas, the availability of roadways buses was limited, causing some inconvenience to the public.

State authorities implemented extensive security measures to ensure law and order throughout the state. In Jaipur, Suresh Saini, the general secretary of Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, noted that market associations voluntarily chose to close shops to prevent any potential disruptions for both shopkeepers and customers due to the protests.

What Is The Protest All About

The SC ST Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti organized a rally in Jaipur to oppose the Supreme Court’s August 1 ruling on the sub-classification of SCs. Members of SC and ST communities gathered at Ram Niwas Garden to participate in the rally, which passed through key markets such as Chaura Rasta, Johari Bazar, Tripolia Bazar, and MI Road. Several markets in other areas, including Tonk Road, Bajaj Nagar, and Malviya Nagar, also remained closed, although some shops stayed open.

Officials from the Home Department stated that police across districts were instructed to prioritize public safety and maintain order during the bandh. Additional police forces were deployed to prevent any disturbances.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph issued an advisory to ensure law and order in all areas under his jurisdiction. Similarly, the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) took measures to guarantee the safe operation of its buses during the bandh. RSRTC Chairman and MD Shreya Guha directed all key personnel, including chief managers, managing directors, and traffic managers, to be present at headquarters.

Bharat Bandh August 21

The Bharat Bandh was organized by 21 organizations nationwide, protesting the Supreme Court's ruling, which they argue undermines the foundational principles of reservation. The August 1 ruling affirmed that states have the constitutional authority to create sub-classifications within SCs, recognizing that these groups form a socially diverse category, to provide reservations for castes that are more socially and educationally disadvantaged.

(Inputs from PTI).